Norris Edward “Jack” Berry served as vice president of the Bank of Burlington and wore many other hats in town; he was a member of Burlington City Council from 1987-93 and its president from 1988-90.
Rotary member Jack Berry peels corn after being cooked on May 18, 2001 while working in the Lions Food Tent during ChocolateFest in Burlington. Lions, Rotary, and Kiwanis club members worked on the booth that day to raise funds for the Transitional Living Center in Burlington.
BURLINGTON – People tend to describe Jack Berry’s contributions to Burlington by calling him “Mister.”
Mr. Burlington. Mr. Rotary. Lord community.
It’s an indication that Berry didn’t just join organizations or settle somewhere. He put his heart into everything and often took on a leadership role.
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“I called him Mr. Burlington,” said Mayor Jeannie Hefty. “He was so involved in the Burlington community.”
Berry died on October 11th at the age of 94.
Born in Salem
Norris Edward “Jack” Berry was born in Kenosha County in Salem (now Salem Lakes) in 1927, graduated from Wilmot High School in 1945 and then served in the US Army stationed in Germany.
He married the former Ruth M. Jackley in 1951. The couple had four children and celebrated 70 years together before his death.
As a vice president of the Bank of Burlington, Berry met companies across the city. He also became a student of local history and was always ready to share what he had learned.
Ron Kolman, a longtime friend and colleague, said Berry was “like a beacon in a storm” because he was able to shed light on matters of local concern.